KUCHING: Since its inception in 2001, World Toilet Day is perceived as the day to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
This year it carries the theme “Accelerating Change” as there are 3.5 billion people still living without safe toilets and 419 million people still practising open defecation as of 2023.
It poses a threat to nature and everyone’s health particularly women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
New Sarawak Tribune discussed the issue faced by the people with a view to promote better sanitation practices, and how to further raise awareness.
SYAWALNURIZAM AWANG ZAINI, 29, CIVIL SERVANT
I feel the promotion of better sanitation is insufficient in terms of infrastructure, unequal access to sanitation facilities and limited awareness about proper hygiene. The only way we can further raise awareness is to harness digital platforms, grassroots advocacy, and include influential figures to amplify the message, thus inspire behavioural changes towards responsible toilet usage.
DANIEL EZZUDIN, 22, STUDENT
Water scarcity is among the challenges we are facing right now, which impacts the overall sanitation efforts. Thus to me, among the ways to improve is to create incentives for proper toilet maintenance, which can contribute to fostering a sense of responsibility and hygiene in public restroom facilities.
NASYA NADZIRAH RAZMAN, 25, BANK OFFICER
Among the biggest challenges at the moment is restroom hygiene. Most of the public toilet facilities I have been whenever I am out and about, are always either not functional, or quite dirty. My suggestion is continuous awareness and speeding up the upgrading of facilities.
MOHD AMIRUL FAHMI, 31, ASSISTANT MANAGER
A multifaceted approach when it comes to awareness on proper sanitation is important. Implementing community-driven initiatives, collaborating with local leaders, and utilising media platforms to disseminate information can help break taboos surrounding sanitation. Additionally, investing in sustainable infrastructure and encouraging responsible waste disposal habits will contribute to a healthier and more hygienic society.
